Ukraine mine explosion death toll rises to 33

The death toll from the mine explosion in Ukraine has risen to at least 36.

At least 44 other miners were injured in the underground methane and coal dust explosion.

At least 14 others are still missing, officials say.

Ukraine's Emergency Situations Ministry says 259 miners were working underground in the vicinity of the explosion.

The morning blast at the Zasiadko mine in the coal-rich Donetsk region was the most serious accident this year in Ukraine's coal mines.

Most of the miners were brought to the surface, where 17 were hospitalised and 13 others were found to have suffered light injuries.

At least four of the hospitalised workers are in grave condition, the department says.

Rescue teams are working in the mine, battling a continuing fire, officials say.